Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig (ÖVP) calls on consumers not to buy hamsters made of wood. “Consumption for a year is sometimes bought for three years. Of course there is an artificial shortage,” the politician said on Friday. In the course of the general price increase, the price of wood has also increased significantly recently.
In addition to energy and food, the recent price increase has also included wood, which is currently in great demand as an alternative to gas and heating oil. Lately, there have also been increasing reports of low timber stocks in the trade. “Wood is the new toilet paper. We are seeing a development that we still know as the toilet paper effect of the Corona crisis,” said Totschnig in an interview with the APA. If only the need for this year is covered, the supply is assured. His appeal to the population is therefore: “Please shop normally. Don’t hoard, don’t hoard.”
‘Measures are starting to take effect’
In general, the minister sees Austria well armed in the fight against inflation. “We are in a phase where the emergency measures that we as the federal government have decided are starting to take effect. We now have to wait and see how the situation develops,” said Totschnig.
It is still unclear whether small and medium-sized companies and therefore a large part of the agricultural companies could also fall under a possible ceiling on the electricity bill. The Ministry of Finance is currently investigating all alternatives – including in the field of agriculture, Totschnig said. However, the security of supply package has already started aiding the agricultural sector, which has been struggling recently with increased input prices.
“Better price situation, different cost situation”
On the other hand, producer prices for agricultural products, which benefit farmers, have also skyrocketed, Totschnig said: “We have a better price situation, but we also have a different cost situation. And at the end of the year, it’s the court records that count. We’ll have to wait and see.” Farmers are currently getting a significantly higher price for products such as milk, grain and meat than last year.
Furthermore, the ÖVP politician sees no reason for a reduction in VAT or price regulation for basic foodstuffs, as recently demanded by the SPÖ and the union. According to him, the small benefit for the consumer is disproportionate to the associated loss of income for the state. It is important to secure the food supply, which is also possible.
Far ahead in terms of sustainability
The ex-farmers union leader fears a further escalation of climate change. Conditions seen for years in countries further south could catch up with Austria sooner or later, Totschnig said. That is why it is important that agriculture adapts to a different climate constellation. Above all, you need to work on growing heat-resistant plants. At the same time, he emphasized the contribution that local farmers would make to reducing emissions. The minister emphasized that the country is far ahead of other countries in terms of sustainability.
The origin labeling of milk, eggs and meat in public and private communal catering and for packaged foods, already envisaged under the previous ÖVP-FPÖ government, is now becoming a reality. The assessment procedure for the origin labeling scheme in the catering industry has been completed, the statements are currently being processed, according to the ministry. “We assume that the regulation will be announced this year,” said the Minister of Agriculture.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
